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October 16, 2013

Legal-aid lawyers learn, then teach

Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
By John Flynn Rooney | Law Bulletin Staff Writer

On a Monday and Tuesday last week, 15 legal-aid leaders went through a training program on the ins and outs of trial skills.

The following three days, they taught the same program on opening statements, direct examinations, cross-examinations and closing arguments to about 40 legal-aid […]

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October 11, 2013

More than 50 Legal Aid Advocates Get Complimentary, Top-Notch Trial Skills Training For Free Through Innovative Partnership

Dozens of legal aid advocates from throughout the Chicago area are participating in an acclaimed NITA (National Institute of Trial Advocacy) trial skills training this week thanks to an inventive partnership of NITA, The Chicago Bar Foundation, and the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.

There are two components to the training. On Monday, sixteen experienced legal aid trial attorneys completed a two-day teacher training program where they learned the NITA methodology so that they ultimately will become NITA certified instructors. These attorneys then have been teaching alongside experienced NITA instructors during a three-day Advocacy Skills Program, where forty legal aid lawyers have the opportunity to hone their trial advocacy skills. Thanks to Skadden, these programs are taking place in state of the art facilities.

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May 31, 2013

Chicago Bar Foundation sets fundraising record

Chicago Volunteer Legal Services plans to use a $90,000 grant from The Chicago Bar Foundation for the most essential part of its budget electricity, rent and the copy machine.

“General operating funds are incredibly important to us €¦ A lot of foundations don’t want to pay for general (expenses), they want to pay for a special project, something they can put their name on,” said Margaret C. Benson, executive director of CVLS.

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April 19, 2013

Moving forward past indifference to provide equal justice to all

When we talk about The Chicago Bar Foundation’s (CBF) 7th annual Investing in Justice Campaign, we talk about making a difference. In a sense, though, it’s just as much about standing up to indifference. As lawyers, doing nothing about the lack of equal access to justice in our legal system for so many people in need is just not an option. We cannot stand silent or still on this issue. We must move forward.

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